TM Montante Development secures 44,000 s/f for Unifrax

TM Montante Development (TMM) has signed an agreement with Unifrax I LLC (Unifrax) to locate its worldwide corporate headquarters in the award-winning Riverview Solar Technology Park. Unifrax is a leading producer of high-temperature insulation products that provide innovative heat management solutions and energy savings to a broad range of industries. Unifrax will occupy 44,000 s/f at 600 Riverwalk Parkway, including a research and development lab, in addition to its head-office operations. "We are thrilled and honored to host Unifrax in our Park," said Thomas Montante, president of TMM. "Its presence and value to our region is tremendous. We are pleased to see solar energy make its way toward center stage, as it has done here. This project hits the mark for demonstrating that our region can see immediate results from offering low-cost distributed solar energy as an incentive for new investment and job growth." In December, TMM will begin the installation of a Solar Array on the roof of the new Unifrax facility. It will generate more than 100,000 kWh of solar power annually. TMM will provide the system's energy to Unifrax at a discounted rate as part of its RISE program (Riverview Incentive for Solar Energy). This is TMM's third solar project at Riverview this year. Statewide, Unifrax employs 334 people; 96 will be located at the Riverview facility with 15 new jobs to be added in the next 2 years. "Unifrax is growing rapidly and there are unique opportunities for expansion at Riverview," said Dr. Paul Boymel, vice president Worldwide Technology for Unifrax. Unifrax has also recently announced the acquisition of three Ohio companies adding approximately 150 employees to its North American operation, which now totals over 600. As part of the transaction, TMM will acquire Unifrax's current headquarters building, a 33,000 s/f office facility located directly across from the entrance to the Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls. TMM is working with local businesses and officials seeking a reuse that best serves the community. Preliminary plans are being drawn up for the redevelopment of this site. Several regional development organizations have supported and aided the growth of TMM and RSTP over the years, keeping valuable business in our region. "The Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE) has been instrumental in helping TMM attract business to Western New York," said Montante. "Empire State Development strongly supported this project because it prevented the entire operation from moving out-of-state," said Empire State Development president, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. Unifrax plans to move in the first quarter of 2012.